Scranton’s Apollo 11 Connection
University of Scranton alumnus Glynn S. Lunney, far right, served as a NASA flight director for the Apollo 11 mission that placed the first man on the moon fifty years ago. Lunney completed his studies at Scranton in 1955 and received an honorary degree from the University in 1971. He is pictured with Apollo 11 flight directors in the Mission Control Center, seated from left, Clifford E. Charlesworth and Gerald D. Griffin; standing, Eugene F. Kranz and Milton L. Windler; and Lunney, far right.Fifty years ago, University of Scranton alumnus Glynn S. Lunney served as a NASA flight director for the historic Apollo 11 mission that placed the first man on the moon. Lunney, a native of Old Forge, completed his pre-engineering studies at the University in 1955 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Detroit in 1958.
“It amazes me to know that 50 years ago, a Scranton alumnus played a pivotal role in placing a man on the moon,” said Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., president of The University of Scranton. “We are very proud of contributions our alumni have made, and will continue to make in the future, for mankind and for the greater glory of God.”
During his distinguished career, Lunney served as a flight director for Apollo 5, 8, 11, 12, 13 and 14, and as lead flight director for Apollo 1, 4, 7 and 10.
The University bestowed an honorary degree upon Lunney in 1971. Read the news release announcing the honorary degree in the University’s Weinberg Memorial Library’s digital archive.
